Cape girls’ swimming kicks off season
The Cape girls’ swim team is looking to improve on its Henlopen North title from 2023-24 season, when the Vikings went 12-2, only losing to Ursuline and Sussex Academy.
Even though the squad lost swimmers such as Ava Dolan, Chloe Wood, Kayla Droge, Emma Reist and Anna Sullivan to graduation, this year’s senior class thinks it has the guns to fill those holes.
Back from the Class of 2025 are Lily Phile, Sofia Brianceau, Hailey Hassell, Gianna Brown and Jenna Reinhold.
“I think we have a great group of young girls coming in that can make an impact at every meet,” said Reinhold. “We also have really strong returning swimmers that can contribute in all areas, and I can’t wait to see what we can all put together as the season begins. One thing is for sure, this team is going to be a lot of fun.”
“Our new freshmen coming in are really going to help us with our breaststroke and backstroke,” said Hassell. “We already have good swimmers in the freestyle, so it’s going to just add more to our depth. We are a very cohesive group already. Everyone gets along and supports each other.”
Freshmen looking to win a spot are Rylie Cathcart, Addison Freebery, Mia Jaoude, Zoey Neufeld, Claudia Stazzone, Mia and Taylor Thompson, Noelle Rowlands, Delaney Huxtable, Adrienne Hanna and Marin Edwards.
Coming back from last year’s squad are sophomores Molly Daniel, Haiden Hazzard, Angie McCarthy and Isla Touw.
Returning as juniors are Leah Sullivan, Natalie Schneider, Gianna Razze and Sidney Caldwell.
“Everyone on our team is pretty flexible,” said Phile. “People are willing to jump in and perform in whatever event we need them to race. We all know that we can work with each other and rely on each other. Our team connection is our biggest strength.”
“We had 27 girls come out for this year’s team,” said head coach Bill Geppert. “We have a great freshmen class that will give us a great deal of flexibility in the lineup, and those girls have confidence they can swim all of the strokes. This team is a hardworking, self-motivated group that has created a cohesive unit.”
According to Hassell, the Vikings’ top competition will be Sussex Academy, Brandywine and Ursuline.
Geppert has retained his staff from last season. Assisting him on the pool deck are Pete Olson, Rick Brokaw, Colleen Bailey and Julianna Danese.
